Leaked: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG

Many of you folks already know that Mercedes-Benz will bring the all-new CLA 45 AMG at the 2013 New York Auto Show next week, but for those who don’t believe this yet, we have some photos to prove this! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG!

Although we don’t have any details we do know that the new car will be powered by the same engine found on the recently unveiled A45 AMG, which means that we will find a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine delivering 360 hp and 450 Nm of torque.

Using the seven-speed AMG SpeedShift DCT transmission, the CLA 45 AMG will be capable to deliver a fuel consumption of just 6.9 litres of fuel per 100 km in NEDC combined mode.

For those who don’t know, the A45 AMG hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.6 seconds and has a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph or 250 km/h. The new CLA 45 AMG is expected to achieve the same performance figures!

Similar to the eight-cylinder and twelve-cylinder engines manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, the four-cylinder engine of the AMG is not only hand-built but is also based on the "one man, one engine" traditional philosophy of the AMG.

The main distinctive feature of this philosophy can be found in the production process where each of the engine plate of the AMG bears the signature of the person who fitted the engine. This does not only show that the AMG does have high production quality but it also proves that the DNA of brand’s high-performance is without equal.

In order to fully achieve the “one man, one engine philosophy,” Mercedes-Benz has an exclusive assembly line at its Kölleda production facility that is set up for the engine of the AMG. This is where the BlueDIRECT four-cylinder engines that are used for the A-Class and B-Class models are also manufactured.

With an all-wheel drive and a dual clutch transmission, the CLA45 AMG is able to demonstrate just how high-end its engineering prowess is. The SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission of the AMG has been flange-mounted directly on an engine that has been transversely installed and has also adopted the key software modules of the SLS AMG.

In addition to the seven gears, the dual clutch transmission also has a RACE START function in order to get optimum acceleration, a double declutching function, and three driving programs. The transmission also has unique strengths as demonstrated through a tailor-made strategy and allows gear shifting spontaneously without interrupting the AMG’s tractive power.

Furthermore, the transmission also allows for easy and smooth gear shifting as well as a high-level of efficiency.

The use of synchronizer rings that have friction linings made of carbon fibers not only improves durability but also optimizes the response time especially when the gear is changed manually. This is often the ideal foundation for running laps on race tracks that have been cordoned off.